(ATLANTA) – Businesses and residents affected by the severe storms and tornadoes on April 5-6 in Bryan, Bulloch, Chatham, Effingham, Evans and Liberty counties can now apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The loans were made available in response to a letter from Gov. Brian Kemp on April 20, requesting a disaster declaration by the SBA. Businesses and residents in the declared areas can now apply for low-interest disaster loans from the SBA.

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov/ela/s and should apply under SBA declaration #17402. Disaster loan information and application forms may also be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (if you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services) or emailing [email protected].

The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is June 21, 2022. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Jan. 23, 2023.

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As part of the Office of the Governor, the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency collaborates with local, state and federal governments in partnership with private sector and non-governmental organizations to protect life and property against man-made and natural emergencies. GEMA/HS’s Ready Georgia website and preparedness campaign provides Georgians with the knowledge needed to effectively prepare for disasters. Go to gema.georgia.gov/plan-prepare/ready-georgia for information on developing a custom emergency plan and Ready kit.